Caregiver Insights: Senior In Home Care

Facts about Osteoarthritis

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms. This is a chronic degenerative joint disease affecting millions of people. Many people think it is just a disease affecting the elderly but the Arthritis Foundation says that while it is more prevalent in the elderly, athletes and someone who is obese can suffer from osteoarthritis as well. People who have had previous injuries to their joints are also at risk. When your senior parent starts feeling stiffer in his or her joints, it could be arthritis. Taking time to better understand this condition will help your parent treat and accept it.

Understanding Arthritis

Here are some important facts about osteoarthritis:

It affects the areas of the body bearing the most weight such as feet, knees, hips or the spine. The cartilage, which is the substance cushioning our joints, breaks down. When there is a reduced amount of cartilage in the body the bones will rub together. People will then experience pain, problems moving their joints and suffer stiffness.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition. A person may begin to feel soreness in their bodies or stiffness, especially when getting out of the bed in the morning. If the symptoms do become severe, they will experience more pain and body stiffness.

They can also find it hard to ascend or descend stairs, walk, do some of their normal daily activities or even sleeping can become difficult.

Some of the symptoms can include problems gripping objects or difficulty bending.

People can have pain at the end of the day or after being physically active.

Osteoarthritis symptoms can also include stiffness or pain in various body parts including the big toe, ankle, joints in the smaller fingers, bottom of the thumb, and the neck.

Currently there is not a cure for osteoarthritis. However, your doctor can prescribe medications to help with the pain. Some people may need to do occupational therapy or physical therapy to help with stiffness and pain. This will also help with strength.

For people who progress to severe cases and have difficulty with mobility and acute pain, a doctor may recommend surgery.

Since there are many forms of arthritis, it is important to seek medical attention from your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your parent’s physician will be best able to help you seek treatment and promote a healthy lifestyle. If you also need more help with the daily tasks of your senior’s life, you should think about hiring senior home services. A trained caregiver who can come help your senior every day with cooking, hygiene and driving for errands is the best solution for many families.

If you have an aging loved one who needs professional elderly care, or are considering hiring senior care services for yourself call Harmony Home Care and talk to our care staff. They will be attentive to your situation, and provide clear and immediate options to help you deal with the difficulties you face. Harmony Home Care provides services for the greater Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado Counties including: Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Granite Bay, Roseville, Cameron Park, Placerville and surrounding areas. For more information and a FREE assessment CALL (916) 414-9100.